Duct interface for chilled beam

ABSTRACT

A device comprising a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side having a duct portal. A top surface and a bottom surface having a circular chilled beam interface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more specifically to a duct interface for a chilled beam system that facilitates field installation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A chilled beam is an item of HVAC equipment that is used to provide cooled air to a space. Chilled beams can be installed in a recessed configuration, where the chilled beam is flush with ceiling tiles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device for connecting a chilled beam to a duct is disclosed that includes a cubic structure having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, and where the fourth side has a duct portal that can be readily connected to field-run duct work. The device also has a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface further has a circular chilled beam interface that allows a mating circular interface on the chilled beam to be rotatably coupled to the device, so as to facilitate connecting the chilled beam to the duct.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a system for providing a duct interface for a chilled beam in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a system for providing a duct interface for a chilled beam in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing parallel installation of chilled beams on a duct in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing series installation of chilled beams on a duct in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a side view of a chilled beam, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a top view of a chilled beam, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an isometric view of a chilled beam, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures might not be to scale and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a system 100 for providing a duct interface for a chilled beam in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. System 100 includes chilled beam 102, which has an exterior housing that includes interface assembly 104. Interface assembly 104 is a circular aperture on top of chilled beam 102 that extends from the top surface of chilled beam 102. System 100 also includes duct interface 106, which includes mating assembly 108. Mating assembly 108 is a circular aperture that extends into the bottom surface of duct interface 106 and that interlocks with interface assembly 104 of chilled beam 102. Alternatively, interface assembly 104 of chilled beam 102 can extend into chilled beam 102 and mating assembly 108 of duct interface 106 can extend outward from the bottom surface of duct interface 106, or other suitable interfaces can be used.

Duct interface 106 also includes duct portal 110, which extends outward from a side surface of duct interface 106 and is configured to interface with a duct. In one exemplary embodiment, duct portal 110 is circular, but can alternatively be square, rectangular or other suitable dimensions in accordance with the associated duct that duct interface 106 is used with. Likewise, duct portal 110 can extend into the side surface of duct interface 106 where suitable, provided that the associated duct can extend into duct interface 106.

Chilled beam 102 and duct interface 106 can be made from metal, plastic, a combination of metal and plastic, or other suitable materials or combinations of materials. Interface assembly 104 is clearance fit outside or inside of mating assembly 108, and can rotate 360 degrees or other suitable amounts.

Inside of chilled beam 102, vents 112 extend downward from interface assembly 104 and carry outside or mixed outside and recirculated air from interface assembly 104 past heat exchanger 114, which can be a water-cooled heat exchanger or other suitable devices. In addition, light fixture 116 is disposed within chilled beam 100, and vents 112 are routed around light fixture 116. Although exemplary vent 112, heat exchanger 114 and light fixture 116 structures have been shown, distributed vents, adjustable light fixtures, radiant heaters or other suitable vent, heating and cooling or lighting structures or devices can also or alternatively be used.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a system 200 for providing a duct interface for a chilled beam in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this overhead view, the circular perimeter of interface assembly 104 and mating assembly 108 can be seen, in addition to the configuration of duct portal 110.

In operation, chilled beam 102 is typically installed in a desired location, such as in a recessed location in a ceiling or other suitable structure. Duct interface 106 can then be installed on chilled beam 102, and can be rotated in a suitable direction so that duct portal 110 is directed towards a duct structure. Additional ductwork can then be more readily installed to connect the duct structure to duct interface 106. In this manner, chilled beam 102 can be installed in parallel with duct work installation without the risk that the chilled beam or duct installation work will need to be redone, which facilitates building construction activities.

FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 showing parallel installation of chilled beams on a duct in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 300 includes main duct 302, with three parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 that are used to connect main duct 302 with duct interfaces 310, 312 and 314, respectively. Duct interfaces 310, 312 and 314 are then used to connect duct extensions 304, 306 and 308, respectively, to chilled beams 316, 318 and 320, respectively.

During construction, main duct 302 may be installed first, and parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 may be installed later, after chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 have been installed. Alternatively, parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 may be installed before chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 are installed, such that any misalignment of parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 with chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 can result in the need for expensive and time consuming rework. Such misalignment of chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 can be readily accommodated by rotating duct interfaces 310, 312 and 314, respectively, to align with duct extensions 304, 306 and 308, respectively. In this manner, rework can be avoided, and the installation of parallel duct extensions 304, 306 and 308 and chilled beams 316, 318 and 320 can be facilitated.

FIG. 4 is a diagram 400 showing series installation of chilled beams on a duct in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Duct segment 402 connects to duct interface 408, which has opposing first and second duct portals. Likewise, duct segment 404 connects to duct interface 408 and duct interface 410, which also has opposing first and second duct portals. Finally, duct segment 406 connects to duct interface 410 and duct interface 412, which has only a single duct portal. Because duct interfaces 408, 410 and 412 can rotate on top of chilled beams 414, 416 and 418, respectively, the installation and alignment of duct segments 402, 404 and 406 is simplified, and can readily account for even significant deviations from designed locations of chilled beams 414, 416 and 418.

FIG. 5 is a diagram 500 showing a side view of a chilled beam 504, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A duct interface 502 is disposed on top of chilled beam 504, and includes duct portal 506 and interface assembly 508. As previously discussed, duct portal 502 and interface assembly 508 can be configured as suitable to interface with a duct and chilled beam 504, respectively, and do not need to extend outwards from duct interface 502 as shown, as long as they allow duct interface to be rotated on top of chilled beam 504, so as to be readily interfaced with the duct.

Chilled beam 504 includes perimeter 510, which interfaces with the ceiling structure. As previously discussed, because chilled beam 504 is installed in this manner, the alignment of chilled beam 504 might vary from a designed alignment by more than an allowable tolerance for the installation of the ductwork, such that duct interface 502 can be used to compensate for such lack of alignment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram 600 showing a top view of a chilled beam, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Duct interface 602 is disposed on the top surface 606 of the chilled beam, and duct portal 604 extends outward from duct interface 602 to interface with a duct (not explicitly shown). Perimeter 608 of the chilled beam interfaces with adjacent ceiling structures (not explicitly shown), such as ceiling tiles, and is aligned with those ceiling structures.

FIG. 7 is a diagram 700 showing an isometric view of a chilled beam, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The chilled beam includes grates 706 and space 704 for a lighting fixture (not explicitly shown), which can be field-installed into space 704. Duct interface 702 is shown on top of the chilled beam.

Although chilled beams are shown herein, other suitable HVAC components can also or alternatively be used with the duct interface and duct arrangements disclosed herein. For example, passive duct components, lighted duct components, air handling units, vents, blowers, fans, heat exchangers, chillers or other suitable HVAC components can also or alternatively be used.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a first side; a second side; a third side; a fourth side having a duct portal; a top surface; and a bottom surface having a circular chilled beam interface.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the duct portal is a circular duct portal.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the duct portal extends outward from the fourth side.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the duct portal extends inward from the fourth side.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the chilled beam interface extends into the bottom surface.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the chilled beam interface extends outward from the bottom surface.
 7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second duct portal disposed on the second side.
 8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second duct portal disposed on the second side opposite from the fourth side.
 9. The device of claim 1 further comprising a duct section coupled to the duct portal.
 10. The device of claim 9 further comprising a main duct coupled to the duct section.
 11. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is a cubic structure.
 12. A chilled beam comprising: an exterior housing; an interface assembly disposed on a top surface of the exterior housing, the interface assembly configured to rotatably interface with a duct interface; one or more vents extending from the interface assembly to a bottom surface of the exterior housing; a heat exchanger disposed in the vent; and a lighting fixture disposed within the exterior housing.
 13. The chilled beam of claim 12 wherein the interface assembly extends into the exterior housing.
 14. The chilled beam of claim 12 wherein the interface assembly extends outward from the top surface of the exterior housing.
 15. The chilled beam of claim 12 wherein the duct interface is clearance fit with the interface assembly.
 16. The chilled beam of claim 12 further comprising: a second chilled beam; a first duct interface disposed on the chilled beam; and a second duct interface disposed on the second chilled beam.
 17. The chilled beam of claim 16 further comprising a first duct section coupled to the first duct interface.
 18. The chilled beam of claim 17 further comprising a second duct section coupled to the second duct interface.
 19. The chilled beam of claim 17 further comprising a main duct section coupled to the first duct section and the second duct section.
 20. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system comprising: a chilled beam comprising: an exterior housing; an interface assembly disposed on a top surface of the exterior housing, the interface assembly configured to rotatably interface with a duct interface; one or more vents extending from the interface assembly to a bottom surface of the exterior housing; a heat exchanger disposed in the vent; and a lighting fixture disposed within the exterior housing; wherein the interface assembly extends into the exterior housing; wherein the interface assembly extends outward from the top surface of the exterior housing; wherein the duct interface is clearance fit with the interface assembly; a second chilled beam; a first duct interface disposed on the chilled beam; a second duct interface disposed on the second chilled beam; a first duct section coupled to the first duct interface; a second duct section coupled to the second duct interface; and a main duct section coupled to the first duct section and the second duct section; the duct interface comprising: a first side; a second side; a third side; a fourth side having a duct portal; a top surface; and a bottom surface having a circular chilled beam interface; wherein the duct portal is a circular duct portal, the duct portal extends outward from the fourth side; the duct portal extends inward from the fourth side; the chilled beam interface extends into the bottom surface; the chilled beam interface extends outward from the bottom surface; a second duct portal disposed on the second side; a second duct portal disposed on the second side opposite from the fourth side; a duct section coupled to the duct portal, a main duct coupled to the duct section and wherein the device is a cubic structure. 